When to Replace Lenses: Signs You Need New Glasses

There are several reasons why someone might require new glasses, or more specifically, new lenses. Do you have an attachment to your current glasses? Are you delaying your visit to the optician because you appreciate your current frames, and the prospect of trying on new ones, along with the associated expenses, is unappealing? Perhaps you have designer frames such as LINDBERG or Prada and don’t want to have to spend money all over again on new high-end spectacles. But there is another solution to keep your frames and save money. Ordering your prescription lenses online from companies such as Lenses in Glasses can be up to 50% cheaper than high street prices – and you can keep your original frames. In a matter of days, you will have your frames fitted with new lenses at half the price

So what are the signs that you do need new lenses?

1)      Changes in Vision Clarity

Are you finding that your vision isn’t as crisp as it was before? Perhaps there is blurriness or your vision is slightly unfocused in some areas. This could imply that your lenses aren’t performing as well as they should and you might require a stronger prescription – or at least a different type of prescription for your eyesight. Your eyesight can change over time and as we get older we might have to update our prescription regularly.

2)      Scratches and Damage

If your lenses have been damaged in some way and they are scratched or cracked, then these are obvious signs that new lenses are required! Imperfections in the lenses can cause your vision to be compromised and may be unsafe for some activities such as driving. So best to get new lenses!

3)      Frequent Prescription Changes

Do you have to get updates to your lenses prescriptions regularly? If so, be aware of this and get your eyesight checked regularly and this may mean that you need new lenses.

4)      Discomfort or Eye Strain

Are you finding that you have fatigue or discomfort when using your glasses over a prolonged period? Are you getting headaches? This could suggest that you have inappropriate lenses for your eyesight and it might be time to get a new prescription.

5)      Outdated Lens Technology

Advancements in lens technology are ongoing and there is a range of lenses and coatings available to suit all types of vision issues which may be much more suitable for your eyes than old outdated lenses. For example, there are Blue Protect Lenses which help protect against the harmful blue light emitted from digital screens. Or Transitions Lenses which block ultraviolet rays and adapt to changing light providing comfort by reducing glare and fatigue. Or if you are driving a lot at night, Zeiss Drivesafe is ideal as it reduces glare from streetlights and headlamps making you a safer driver. So, there are a great number of advancements that could improve your vision and improve the quality of your life.

6)      Lens Coating Deterioration

The breakdown of lens coatings, such as anti-glare or scratch-resistant coatings, can affect vision quality and this can signal that it is time for new lenses. Damage to these coatings can cause glare and eye strain and they should be replaced.

7)      Age of Current Lenses

Lenses don’t last forever, unfortunately- even if your prescription doesn’t change, the life span of well-maintained lenses may only be 2-5 years. Of course the quality of the materials matters. Premium lenses and frames will last longer than cheaper materials. But they don’t last forever.

8)      Health Changes Impacting Vision

If you have a change in circumstances in your health, then you ought to get a check-up with the optician to see if you require new lenses. Some health conditions such as diabetes can change your eyesight due to the way that it impacts the eye itself. So if you find yourself with a new health condition, speak to your optician to see if you require a new eye test.

So if you think that you need new lenses, don’t despair, it is easier than you think to get new lenses fitted to your current frames quickly and at a much lower cost than getting new glasses.